Chicano Theatre
Chicano theatre began when the Spanish conquerors arrived in South America. This played a large role in the early stages of Chicano theatre. Often they were religious plays to help convert the indigenous people. In more recent times, Chicano theatre has found a home in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Much of this culture spread east in the form of theatre. Since WWII, Chicano theatre has become more politically active, thanks to Luis Valdez. He became the new voice for the Chicano community and social change.
Mexican-American Theatre
The roots of Mexican-American theatre lie in its rich history. Much of it has to do with the Spanish settlement. There was large parts in Western US and Mexico that were separated and isolated from the rest of American culture. Different obstacles, like terrain and hostile natives, caused there to be little interaction between early Mexican Americans and the Anglos. This generated secluded areas where their culture could prosper. In more recent times however, much of the culture has begun to meld with the mainstream.
Mexican American Theatre officially began in 1848, when the US absorbed some territories from Mexico. The early theatre was religious. For example, the plays were mostly performed during Christmas and Easter. Over time, the plays have become more secular in nature as technology is changed.
In more recent times, Mexican-American theatre has become more political. For example, during the strikes led by Chavez in 1965, Luis Valdez performed plays to help inform participants why and how to strike. This was accomplished by a troupe known as El Teatro Campesino. This spread their power even further.
Cuban-American Theatre
The Cuban community’s theatre grew in the 19th century along the east coast, mostly in New York and Tampa, FL. The development began in Tampa, where the Hispanics had pretty good commercial success. More recently, Cuban independence played a large role in Cuban American theatre. There has been large criticism of the communist movement in Cuba.
Puerto Rican Theatre on the Mainland
Puerto Rican theatre arose due to the oppressive social conditions that this group had to deal with. Puerto Rican theatre is said to be organic: it “comes to life in the street” as the writer puts it. Puerto Rican theatre and art did not come about by a planned movement, but rather slowly grow as the Puerto Rican community settled in a new environment. In more recent years, Puerto Rican culture and theatre has flourished. The future resides in the Nuyoricans, the third generation Puerto Ricans.
Chicano theatre began when the Spanish conquerors arrived in South America. This played a large role in the early stages of Chicano theatre. Often they were religious plays to help convert the indigenous people. In more recent times, Chicano theatre has found a home in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Much of this culture spread east in the form of theatre. Since WWII, Chicano theatre has become more politically active, thanks to Luis Valdez. He became the new voice for the Chicano community and social change.
Mexican-American Theatre
The roots of Mexican-American theatre lie in its rich history. Much of it has to do with the Spanish settlement. There was large parts in Western US and Mexico that were separated and isolated from the rest of American culture. Different obstacles, like terrain and hostile natives, caused there to be little interaction between early Mexican Americans and the Anglos. This generated secluded areas where their culture could prosper. In more recent times however, much of the culture has begun to meld with the mainstream.
Mexican American Theatre officially began in 1848, when the US absorbed some territories from Mexico. The early theatre was religious. For example, the plays were mostly performed during Christmas and Easter. Over time, the plays have become more secular in nature as technology is changed.
In more recent times, Mexican-American theatre has become more political. For example, during the strikes led by Chavez in 1965, Luis Valdez performed plays to help inform participants why and how to strike. This was accomplished by a troupe known as El Teatro Campesino. This spread their power even further.
Cuban-American Theatre
The Cuban community’s theatre grew in the 19th century along the east coast, mostly in New York and Tampa, FL. The development began in Tampa, where the Hispanics had pretty good commercial success. More recently, Cuban independence played a large role in Cuban American theatre. There has been large criticism of the communist movement in Cuba.
Puerto Rican Theatre on the Mainland
Puerto Rican theatre arose due to the oppressive social conditions that this group had to deal with. Puerto Rican theatre is said to be organic: it “comes to life in the street” as the writer puts it. Puerto Rican theatre and art did not come about by a planned movement, but rather slowly grow as the Puerto Rican community settled in a new environment. In more recent years, Puerto Rican culture and theatre has flourished. The future resides in the Nuyoricans, the third generation Puerto Ricans.